Supporting Friends & Family When a Funeral Isn't Possible

As you can imagine, not having the opportunity to hold a traditional funeral or memorial service can be very difficult for family and friends who would benefit from gathering and receiving the support of others as they begin the grief journey. Fortunately, there are still ways you can support them.

Check in with grieving family members and friends often by phone. Invite them to tell you stories about their loved one and share stories of your own. Making personal connections with people who have recently experienced a loss is very beneficial as they begin to adjust to a world without their loved one. In addition, under normal circumstances, grief can be a very isolating experience. It is even more so now, given social distancing guidelines and people choosing to isolate themselves. Staying connected can make all the difference in the world to someone who is grieving.

Sign the guest book on the funeral home’s website if there is one. Include a fond memory.

Make a donation in the individual’s name and write a personal note to the family about your donation.

Send a card and include a handwritten note about a memory you have of the individual or how that individual had an impact on your life.

Make an offer to have the family or friends of the loved one over for dinner once social distancing is no longer required. Make sure you remember to follow through on your offer, even if it is months from now.

Offer to have food delivered to their home or pick up a meal from a restaurant offering takeout food and deliver it to their home (if this option is available in your community).

Fill a jar with memories of the loved one and mail it to the family. Family members can read the memories at their leisure and be reminded of special times.